Northbay Shooters

Hi all. I recently moved to the Northbay. I have not yet attained my hand gun safety certificate, so of course I have not yet purchased my first gun. Unless you count the .22 rifle my Dad bought me for Christmas years and years ago.
I have decided that I would like to purchase the 9mm Ruger SR9, and I am getting pretty excited about it.
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of shops that are good for newbies to not only purchase but don't mind dealing with someone taking the CHS test and asking a million questions? Also, any good indoor shooting ranges in Santa Rosa or nearby? Thanks!

Welcome to the NBS board.

Come down to Petaluma and talk to Gabe at Sportsman's Arms. Address is in the Sonoma County Gun Dealer's thread in the "Get Connected" forum. He is a great guy, easy to deal with and is always happy to answer questions.

There are no public ranges, indoor or outdoor in Sonoma County. Only government facilities and private clubs. There are a couple of ad hoc shooting areas, and there are some ranches that have sufficient land to have their own range for friends and family. Closest public indoor range is Bullseye down in San Rafael, http://www.bullseyerange.com/. Closest public outdoor range is Circle S, which is west of Petaluma and just across the line into Marin County.

Sportsman's Arms is, coincidentally, right on the way to Circle S.